Over 90% of speech is not the words you choose, it’s the tone and the body language you convey. And when your body language is negative and someone notices it, they’re not likely to trust you. And that can have a profound impact on you, personally and professionally.
So, here’s what to be mindful of when it comes to body language.
Body language is a powerful and often underrated aspect of communication that plays an essential role in both personal and professional communication.
Ranging from facial expressions to gestures, posture, eye contact, and other nonverbal cues, body language can support or undermine what we are saying. Understanding and using body language effectively is crucial since it affects the way others view us, how we connect with others, and how well we convey our message.
Above all, body language is a major contributor to the creation of first impressions. Individuals have been known to make a judgment about other people in a few seconds upon meeting them, judging more on nonverbal than verbal cues.
Posture, firm handshake, and good eye contact can convey competence, openness, and honesty. Meanwhile, crossed arms, evasive eyes, or slouching can give the impression of insecurity, lack of interest, or even dishonesty. In high-stakes situations such as job interviews, sales presentations, or negotiations, positive body language is the line between success or failure.
In communication, body language is a critical addition to the verbal message.
Body language may reinforce, contradict, or even replace verbal messages. For example, a smile in saying “thank you” enhances the message, but not looking into someone’s eyes when making a promise of honesty generates suspicion. Good body language is used by good communicators to emphasize points, show empathy, and relate to their audience. It is an art acquired by managers and leaders to be able to inspire confidence, motivate teams, and resolve conflicts easier.
Body language is also significant for rapport and trust establishment. Mirroring, open posture, and using the proper facial expressions can make a person feel understood and connected. For sales, customer service, and counseling, being able to interpret and mirror the nonverbal cues of customers can enhance outcomes considerably.
When people feel they are being heard and noticed above and beyond words, they tend to cooperate and trust more.
Learning about body language also raises emotional intelligence, or the ability to be attuned to and manage our own and other people’s feelings. Sensitivity to nonverbal signals allows us to feel underlying issues, notice discomfort, or feel excitement. This sensitivity can help us navigate sensitive conversations, prevent miscommunications, and build stronger personal relationships.
On the other hand, misreading body language can lead to a breakdown in communication. The usage and interpretation of body language are influenced by cultural differences, personal habits, and context.
In conclusion, body language is far more than a passive background element of communication—it is an active and dynamic tool that shapes how messages are sent, received, and interpreted. Whether you’re leading a team, building relationships, or presenting ideas, mastering body language enhances your ability to connect, influence, and succeed.
Be aware of your own nonverbal signals and learn to read others’ can increase your level of communication and lead the way to more, better communication.
